Pair befriended and robbed man in Blackpool club

Digital reporter

Two thugs called a taxi and went for a ‘celebratory McDonald’s breakfast’ after beating and stealing from a reveller they befriended in a Blackpool club.

Their victim was invited back to the men’s flat for drinks after a night out - but was then punched repeatedly.

One of his attackers put his foot on his head and threatened to kill him unless he handed over his cash card and PIN.

Martin Devon, 31, of Reads Avenue, Blackpool, and Luke William Peter Evans, 29, of Clifford Road, Blackpool, were both jailed for 32 months after pleading guilty to blackmail and theft.

Both men have nine convictions for 14 offences.

Recorder David Potter, sitting at Preston Crown Court, said: “This was a very concerning attack.

“You and he ended up drinking together and then in the very early hours of May 24, 2016, he was invited back to the flat at which you were both then residing. During the course of what followed he describes being punched firstly in the face and then pulled to the floor.”

The court heard Mr Wallace met his attackers in the Walkabout bar before moving on to Flamingos.

As he later sat on the sofa at the defendants’ flat Devon started punching him.

He was then pulled to floor and Evans joined in.

One pinned him to the floor while the other left and used a nearby ATM to steal £293.

Once the money was taken his card and wallet were returned to him and he was released from the flat.

Devon also admitted handling goods stolen from his neighbours who ran a hotel. Their computers, electrical goods and ornaments were stolen during a burglary.